My 2008 Rx400h has always had the well described "braking surge" problem on occasion. I notice it on slow speed braking, typically at an intersection. I will be pressing down on the brake pedal and then suddenly will feel like I am losing braking capacity. The immediate responce to to hit the brake harder and the vehicle always then slows down properly. I don't think the car actually surges forward much but it probably would if you didn't respond quickly. I am not the only one. There are several threads on the internet describing this.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-breaking.html

This has always been written off as normal "hybrid braking." Now with the Prius braking problems, I wonder if we are next in line for a repair???

 

I had the problem you're describing (different from the Prius description) a couple years ago and brought it to the dealer. They were able to fix it with no problem.

 

and reported it to two different dealerships who claimed they never heard of the problem. I felt they were suggesting I imagined it and I am still driving with the problem. While not a serious safety issue since the brakes do apply eventually it's not something that should happen.

It goes off lease soon and am seriously considering the MB M class even though I loved my RX.

 

I notice you're from NJ. Which dealers did you go to? Mine was fixed at Warnock Lexus. They are great about things like this.

 

I have not been able to duplicate the problem but it's only happen to me twice since I've owned the car. First time I was pulling into the Autozone I put my foot on the brake as I pulled into the parking space pressed the brake pedal to stop there was a delay and I ended up pressing the brake harder to stop which came to a abrupt halt. I panicked because I thought something went wrong but I haven't been able to duplicate the problem since. Second time I was trying to stop and to turn into to a parking lot. The brakes already have no "feel" to them but I ended up running right up to the parking entrance still going about 35mph and set off the ABS when I realized I still had too much speed and I couldn't tell if I was braking hard or not, strange. Then I hear about the Prius braking problems about 6 months later. No point in going to the dealer for it because it's only happen twice the second time maybe I'm just not used to the electric brakes since I don't drive it too often.

 

i agree you gotta get used to the Hybrid brakes.. it's not as "effective" as a traditional brake... cant win them all..

 

In reply to RexLexBlue

It had been to both Lexus of Bridgewater and Lawrenceville Lexus.

 

i have noticed it too in my RX. I think the lack of braking response will cause problems in close quarters with another vehicle but as long as you have a reasonable distance between vehicles it should be okay. its not as predictable but occours fairly commonly to be worthy of notice

 

I have noticed it too. Do you know what the fix was? Maybe I will ask the dealer since its still under warranty. my wife has never had it happen but I have more than a few times.. I just expect it now...

I think its something with the CVT trans, its going into nuetral while braking.

 

Sorry. I'm sure they have a record of it. If I check service history online it is too brief.

 

I have the exact same problem ... I stepped on brake and the car choked while braking ... is that a problem ? or normal behaviour ?

 

I had the new regular RX 350 as a loaner and I loved it. It also didn't skid over wet manholes when you braked. I test drove the new 450h to make sure I was making the right decision. I traded in my 400h in August. In light of the past winter with the never ending snow I was very happy with my decision. Of course now the price of gas has skyrocketed, but I don't drive that many miles.

 

I only have my rx400h for 2 months now and have noticed the loss in braking powder when slowing down. My theory is that the car changes from engine to battery at this point hence a difference in power being given to the brakes (does this make since)?

 

Know somebody where are interior light fuses located? Thanks

 

rx400h Interior light fuse location? plsss